Summary
Highlights for Tuesday, 8 October 2019
The 15th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) opened today at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, on the theme of “Mining in a Changing Climate.” In opening remarks, Isabelle Durant, Deputy Secretary-General, UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), underscored the effects of mining on climate, its impacts on the environment and local communities, and its role in trade and sustainable development. Several speakers drew attention to the huge increase in global demand for minerals used in renewable energy technologies, and the need to plan for climate risk in mining operations. Speakers and participants highlighted the role of innovation, data, standards and certification in promoting sustainability and resilience of the mining sector, noting the urgent need for action. Government officials and mining company representatives presented examples of “climate-smart” initiatives, and shared examples of strategies to boost the use of renewable energy in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). They also discussed steps to strengthen environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA), and to formalize the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. Discussions of the latter included a presentation of the World Bank DELVE database project on ASM and interactive “marketplace presentations” highlighting actions by several African and Latin American countries. At lunchtime, delegates took part in an interactive session on gender-responsive human rights, which considered the need for due diligence in the mineral supply chain. In the evening, they attended a reception hosted by the World Bank.
IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB+ meeting coverage, has provided daily digital coverage, daily reports, and a summary report from the 2019 AGM. The summary report is available in HTML and PDF.
Photos by IISD/ENB | Mike Muzurakis
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Opening Session
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Impacts and Policies of Mining in a Changing Climate
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Partnerships for Change: Fostering Voluntary Sustainability Initiatives
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Risks and Opportunities: Climate Change Adaptation in Mining
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Strengthening Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA)
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Renewable Energy and Effective Policy Frameworks
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Artisanal and Small Scale Mining (ASM) Strategy Marketplace
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